Custom PET (PET-P) CNC Machining Services | XML Precision Hardware Manufacturing

Searching for exceptionally stable, wear-resistant, and food-safe plastic parts? XML provides top-tier engineering-grade PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate / PET-P) CNC machining services. Valued for its incredible dimensional stability, extremely low moisture absorption, and supreme machinability, PET is the ultimate thermoplastic for food processing components, precision gears, automated guide rails, and medical analytical devices. From rapid prototyping to high-volume manufacturing, XML delivers highly precise, all-around manufacturing solutions. Get a free quote today!

Why Choose Engineering PET (PET-P) for CNC Machining?

While most people associate PET with plastic bottles, Engineering-Grade PET (often referred to as PET-P) is a highly crystalline, dense, and robust thermoplastic. It is frequently chosen by engineers to replace Acetal (POM) and Nylon when parts must operate in wet environments while maintaining exceptionally tight tolerances.

Whether you are designing sterile food packaging equipment or complex analytical fluid manifolds, this material delivers:

Unmatched Dimensional Stability: Unlike Nylon, PET absorbs virtually zero moisture. Your parts will not swell, warp, or change dimensions even in highly humid or submerged environments.
FDA Compliant & Food Safe: Non-toxic, highly resistant to staining, and capable of withstanding industrial cleaning chemicals, making it a gold standard for food and beverage processing.
Superior Wear Resistance: Offers excellent wear and abrasion resistance, often outperforming both Acetal and Nylon in high-load, low-speed moving applications.
High Strength & Rigidity: Provides a high modulus of elasticity and excellent tensile strength, ensuring mechanical components hold their shape under continuous stress.

Partnering with XML ensures your PET parts are machined in a clean, controlled environment, utilizing specialized cutting strategies to deliver flawless, burr-free components that are ready for immediate assembly.

PET (PET-P) Technical Specifications & Machining Parameters

Mechanical & Thermal Properties	Metric Value	Imperial Value	Test Standard
Density (Specific Gravity)	1.37 – 1.39 g/cm³	0.050 lbs/in³	ASTM D792
Tensile Strength (Yield)	80 – 85 MPa	11,600 – 12,300 psi	ASTM D638
Flexural Modulus	3.0 – 3.2 GPa	435,000 – 465,000 psi	ASTM D790
Impact Strength (Izod Notched)	15 – 25 J/m	0.3 – 0.5 ft-lb/in	ASTM D256
Water Absorption (24 hrs)	< 0.10% (Extremely Low)	< 0.10%	ASTM D570
Hardness (Rockwell M)	M94 – M98	M94 – M98	ASTM D785
Max Continuous Operating Temp	100°C – 115°C	212°F – 239°F	UL 746B
Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic)	0.20 – 0.25	0.20 – 0.25	ASTM D3028
FDA / USDA Compliance	Yes (Natural White Grade)	Yes	–

Machining Parameters	Technical Specifications
Standard Tolerances	±0.02 mm to ±0.05 mm (±0.0008″ to ±0.002″) – Highly dependable due to material stability
Minimum Wall Thickness	≥ 0.8 mm (0.030″)
As-Machined Surface Finish	Ra 0.8 – Ra 1.6 μm (Achieves a very smooth, bright, and clean finish)
Cutting Strategy	High spindle speeds (10,000+ RPM) with moderate feed rates. Shallow depths of cut are strictly maintained to prevent edge chipping.
Tooling Specifics	Razor-sharp, high positive rake, polished single-flute solid carbide end mills to shear the material cleanly without generating excess heat.
Coolant / Thermal Control	Compressed air blast or plastic-safe synthetic coolants. Excellent thermal management prevents localized melting or chemical contamination.
Post-Processing	Typically used “as-machined” for food and medical applications to prevent surface contamination. Bead blasting available for matte cosmetic finishes.
Supported Operations	3, 4 & 5-Axis CNC Milling, Precision CNC Turning (Lathe), Swiss Machining, Micro-Drilling, Thread Milling (avoids tapping stress).

Extensive Industry Applications of PET Parts

Aerospace

Offering high strength-to-weight and strict dimensional stability, PET-P is ideal for aviation. We CNC machine reliable cabin interior components, aerospace electrical insulating brackets, and lightweight structural supports.

Medical Devices

Resisting moisture and harsh sterilization chemicals, PET ensures clinical safety. We manufacture high-precision medical diagnostic fluid manifolds, durable surgical instrument components, and precision dosing valve bodies.

Robotics & Automation

Offering superb dielectric properties and stable tolerances, PET reliably insulates sensitive systems. We manufacture high-frequency insulating blocks, semiconductor test sockets, and precision electrical connector housings.

Automotive

Highly resistant to moisture and harsh vehicle fluids, PET-P provides exceptional stability. We precision-machine wear-resistant automotive spur gears, high-load thrust washers, and custom fuel system valves.